At long last, the FDA has authorized 23andMe to market health-related genetic testing. It’s good news, but the impact of this is minimal for the time being. This specific authorization is for analysis of a single disease, but this “important first step” paves the way for the full suite of DNA analysis to return to the Mountain View-based genetics company.

Today, I want to share my story with all of you. I’ve spent thousands of hours researching my family tree over the past seven years, and I’ve ended up making connections I could have never anticipated. Thanks to tools like collaborative family trees, social networks, and direct-to-consumer DNA testing, I’ve finally found the truth about my family, and now I get to share the fruits of my labor.

After weeks of behind-the-scenes discussions with the FDA, 23andMe has just announced that it is suspending its genetic health analysis for new customers. Those of you who purchased DNA kits after November 21st will only receive the raw genetic data and ancestry analysis from 23andMe. Unfortunately, this means the utility of the company’s $99 DNA test is drastically reduced for the time being.

A patent was awarded to 23andMe last week, which has created a huge stir in a short amount of time. It relates to a specific tool they offer called the family traits calculator. In raising the bar from known (and very informative) gene defects to theoretical gene enhancements, 23andMe has just served us the effective equivalent of blended cow manure and fine crab cake.

Despite many theories, and many more studies, the exact mechanisms of how caffeine energizes our minds and bodies are still far from understood. With new discoveries in genetics, and new methods to quantify metabolic variables, the incidentals of coffee consumption can now be counted as more than ritual — they have become science

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